OUR BLACK SHEEP
"Don’t expect perfection in a man because he is a Mason. If you do, you will be disappointed. Masonry makes a man better, but no human agency can make him perfect. If he is a Mason, you have the right to presume he is a fairly good man, but do not condemn Masonry even if a few Masons turn out bad.
Even the great Teacher Himself had a Judas.
The aim and purpose of Masonry is to receive none but good men, keep them good and make them better. Judge the institution not by a few failures, but by the average of its success. That average is high and it consequently gives standing to its members, but it cannot be an infallible guide."
Anonymous
The "traitor", Benedict Arnold, is one of those whom anti-Masons use to show the 'evil deeds' of Freemasonry. They ignore the fact that Arnold was among the greatest of military men fighting on the side of the Revolution and without whose service, the 'patriots' might have easily lost their lives. He was one of several leaders during the American Revolution who were whipsawed back and forth by political intrigue and infighting, causing him to be both hurt and resentful at the manner in which he was treated. At times a hero and at times totally shunned, Arnold ultimately decided that the 'cause' for which American patriots were fighting was wrong and he defected to the side of the British. In so doing, he actually became a hero for the British resulting from his military actions in Canada. His later life was filled with problems and - in retrospect - Brother Arnold 'did the wrong thing'. His military actions, however, were executed in a way as to save many lives and it is because "victors write history" that he is now regarded as an arch-villain by Americans. In Canada and the UK, Arnold's stature is far different than in the United States. We would recommend for your reading "Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor" by Willard Sterne Randall (1990, William Morrow & Company, Inc., NY). There's some information including more books about Arnold shown on a web page of the state of Maine
Paul Bernardo - A serial rapist and killer, it appears that this individual joined Freemasonry for the 'cover' and air of respectability it provided. For some time now we've been trying to get some accurate information about his Masonic membership: when it began and how active he was in his lodge. We've received MANY e-mails from Masons in and around the areas in which he lived but sadly, none have provided first-hand factual information. One Mason has responded with dismissive comments that we should not, as Masons, speak ill of another member. WHAT? This is a man who ABUSED and KILLED not only women but perhaps used Freemasonry as part of his enablingl! We feel most emphatically that 'stonewalling' information in such cases serves to not only reinforce a public perception that Masons protect 'their own' but to also create the idea that Masons knew about this and never spoke up. The latter is absolutely inexcusable and if there was anyone who knew about Bernardo's activities, they surely would/could/should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as well, and be serving time as accessories. What we have learned from e-mails from Masons who were in Bernardo's general area was that he was not actively involved in lodge activities. It's unfortunate that the Grand Lodge has not made a statement on this particular matter because, we feel, choosing to 'keep it secret' only adds to the horrid rumors that such things might be sanctioned by Freemasonry in the cause of 'protecting a Brother'. It also appears that it was only after a guilty verdict that his membership was suspended although, arguably, as Masons we should give EVERYONE the 'benefit of the doubt'. Sadly too, Masonic processes tend to be glacial in speed even when there is overwhelming evidence. We believe that the Bernardo case has much to teach Freemasonry but sadly those who know the specific details refuse to speak - and not being in Toronto, we have found it impossible to further research. If you have information that could help provide a full description of events, we'd like to hear from you! In 2008, we've learned that the Detective who was pursuing Bernardo was himself a Mason and at some point, we hope to learn specifics of that aspect of that as well. You can read more about Mr. Bernardo at Wikipedia.
Described by the press as perhaps the biggest swindler who walked the streets of Boston, Massachusetts (USA) since Charles Ponzi (after whom the Ponzi scheme was named), the financial scandal surrounding Brad Bleidt was large although perhaps somewhat over-hyped. Mr. Bleidt, following a suicide attempt, admitted to bilking people of millions of dollars (current estimates between $25-35 million) over a number of years. A local radio owner and financial advisor, Bleidt's scheme was simple: pay investors with money obtained from newer investors. The Boston Herald newspaper in Boston reported that in 2000 Bleidt began managing his Masonic lodge's $1.2 million in trust funds which are now gone. They also reported that a second group of Masons lost $125,000 and a third lost $686,000. Bleidt was suspended from Freemasonry by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts pending the outcome of his state/federal trials. In December, 2005, he was sentenced to eleven years in prison for bilking $27,000,000 USD from 125 investors, many of them fellow lodge members but also his church, family, etc.
John Shirley was arrested in 1997 for photographing teens "mooning" (showing their buttocks) his camera at a Masonic camp. Regrettably, instead of removing Shirley from his voluntary position as a DeMolay Chapter Dad, national and state DeMolay officials investigated the complaints and concluded Shirley had used "bad judgment." In 1998, at least 11 boys in his DeMolay Chapter told police Shirley gave them alcohol and drugs, fondled them or had sex with them. Most of the sex-related activities happened over three years. Shirley, a Mason aged 48 at the time of conviction, was sentenced to life imprisonment being found guilty on 27 of 36 felony child sex abuse charges. He was also convicted of 13 misdemeanors, including charges he contributed to the delinquency of minors. Since this incident, The Order Of DeMolay has instituted a strong and aggressive Youth Protection Program which is now a model for other youth groups throughout the United States. It involves criminal background checks on all Advisors along with a 'zero tolerance' policy for any improprieties, regardless of how seemingly insignificant.
Robert Taylor, 47, (England) was the Secretary of his Masonic lodge and a Provincial Grand Junior Warden (a high position within England's Masonic structure). He was also a respected schoolteacher in Peterborough. In September, 2007 he was sentenced to six years in prison for abusing two young boys between 1980 and 1987. Defense counsel raised the point that Taylor, then a Scout leader, was a victim of abuse himself. This tragic story is not unlike hundreds of others we read about each year and, sadly, many of these perpetrators are family men, active in their church and well-respected in their jobs and their community. We would suggest to those who are quick to criticize Freemasonry for condoning such behavior, they also look at the Catholic Church scandals in America. NO action of this type can ever be explained fully. We grieve for those involved in this horrendous situation, knowing it will haunt them their entire lives. News story is here.
George Wallace, a Mason, came to the nation's attention when he barred Blacks from attending the all-White University of Alabama. While he was defending the laws of his state, emerging social conscience judged his actions wrong. A product of his times and his environment, Wallace did what he deemed appropriate legally and morally: it was, however, wrong. Now anti-Masons point to Wallace as a (bad) example of Masonry. What they fail to acknowledge, however, is the constant pain and suffering Wallace endured after the assassination attempt during his presidential candidacy AND MOREOVER the fact that he subsequently apologized for his actions, an apology accepted by all those involved - including the Blacks who were at the center of that firestorm! George Wallace was wrong but he paid for his error in a way even the most cruel should not wish on anyone.
Mason Locke Weems (1760-1825) is a name most readers of this site won't recognize. However, if you have heard the story of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree, you've known of Weems who was one of America's first door-to-door salesmen. A book agent, in the wake of Washington's death, he was the first person to have a biography in print (in 1800) and in order to do so, he simply invented stories to enhance its sales. A member of Lodge #50 in Dumfries, Virginia, he used his Masonic membership to falsely claim a close affiliation with Washington. The lies this Freemason wrote still live on today.
Bobby Wilks was not the first and, sadly, won't be the last person in the funeral industry to defraud families and defile the dead. He was a Mason in Orlinda, Tennessee and appears to have been holding membership when he was sentenced in October 1989 to 28 years and 11 months in prison for burying the dead with trash in their coffins or without prepaid vaults. He had pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to 48 counts of burial fraud, opting for sentencing by a judge rather than face a jury, prosecutors said. Exhumations had revealed that Wilks' business had improperly buried more than 25 bodies in Tennessee and Kentucky. It is reported that Bobby got into more trouble while he was in prison (some said the charges were "trumped up" to make sure he never again saw freedom) and it is doubtful that he will ever be freed. During the investigations, he was suspended for non-payment of dues but it appears that no action has ever been taken to expell him from the fraternity - though were he to petition for reinstatement after his incarceration, it's very, very unlikely he'd be voted 'back in'.
The Winnipeg, Canada Khartum Shrine Motor Patrol in 1999 at an Annual "V.I.P. Gentlemen's Dinner" were charged with lewd sexual behavior. In a situation which could HARDLY be described as gentlemanly, there were a number of accusations which will not be repeated here. Suffice it to say, the event came to the immediate attention of the press and anti-Masons had a 'field day'. The unit was immediately disbanded by Shrine officials and some of its members were ordered to take sensitivity training. It is an example of how unrestrained 'fun' can lead to unexplainable excesses. Shrine Masons who should have known right from wrong apparently didn't! If they were teenagers, such abhorrent behavior might have been understandable but these were adults who stained Freemasonry and Shrinedom, casting a pall over the excellent work done by Shrine Masons. While it is simple (and accurate) to explain that this was not a sanctioned Shrine event but rather a private fund-raiser for the Motor Patrol and that likely the majority of those in attendance were not Shriners, this horrid incident has nevertheless created a stain on the fraternity that will be impossible to erase. It would be easy to compare and contrast this to the frequent and persistent immoral behavior of various religious leaders but the obfuscates the facts: this was shameful!
Even the great Teacher Himself had a Judas.
The aim and purpose of Masonry is to receive none but good men, keep them good and make them better. Judge the institution not by a few failures, but by the average of its success. That average is high and it consequently gives standing to its members, but it cannot be an infallible guide."
Anonymous
The "traitor", Benedict Arnold, is one of those whom anti-Masons use to show the 'evil deeds' of Freemasonry. They ignore the fact that Arnold was among the greatest of military men fighting on the side of the Revolution and without whose service, the 'patriots' might have easily lost their lives. He was one of several leaders during the American Revolution who were whipsawed back and forth by political intrigue and infighting, causing him to be both hurt and resentful at the manner in which he was treated. At times a hero and at times totally shunned, Arnold ultimately decided that the 'cause' for which American patriots were fighting was wrong and he defected to the side of the British. In so doing, he actually became a hero for the British resulting from his military actions in Canada. His later life was filled with problems and - in retrospect - Brother Arnold 'did the wrong thing'. His military actions, however, were executed in a way as to save many lives and it is because "victors write history" that he is now regarded as an arch-villain by Americans. In Canada and the UK, Arnold's stature is far different than in the United States. We would recommend for your reading "Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor" by Willard Sterne Randall (1990, William Morrow & Company, Inc., NY). There's some information including more books about Arnold shown on a web page of the state of Maine
Paul Bernardo - A serial rapist and killer, it appears that this individual joined Freemasonry for the 'cover' and air of respectability it provided. For some time now we've been trying to get some accurate information about his Masonic membership: when it began and how active he was in his lodge. We've received MANY e-mails from Masons in and around the areas in which he lived but sadly, none have provided first-hand factual information. One Mason has responded with dismissive comments that we should not, as Masons, speak ill of another member. WHAT? This is a man who ABUSED and KILLED not only women but perhaps used Freemasonry as part of his enablingl! We feel most emphatically that 'stonewalling' information in such cases serves to not only reinforce a public perception that Masons protect 'their own' but to also create the idea that Masons knew about this and never spoke up. The latter is absolutely inexcusable and if there was anyone who knew about Bernardo's activities, they surely would/could/should have been prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as well, and be serving time as accessories. What we have learned from e-mails from Masons who were in Bernardo's general area was that he was not actively involved in lodge activities. It's unfortunate that the Grand Lodge has not made a statement on this particular matter because, we feel, choosing to 'keep it secret' only adds to the horrid rumors that such things might be sanctioned by Freemasonry in the cause of 'protecting a Brother'. It also appears that it was only after a guilty verdict that his membership was suspended although, arguably, as Masons we should give EVERYONE the 'benefit of the doubt'. Sadly too, Masonic processes tend to be glacial in speed even when there is overwhelming evidence. We believe that the Bernardo case has much to teach Freemasonry but sadly those who know the specific details refuse to speak - and not being in Toronto, we have found it impossible to further research. If you have information that could help provide a full description of events, we'd like to hear from you! In 2008, we've learned that the Detective who was pursuing Bernardo was himself a Mason and at some point, we hope to learn specifics of that aspect of that as well. You can read more about Mr. Bernardo at Wikipedia.
Described by the press as perhaps the biggest swindler who walked the streets of Boston, Massachusetts (USA) since Charles Ponzi (after whom the Ponzi scheme was named), the financial scandal surrounding Brad Bleidt was large although perhaps somewhat over-hyped. Mr. Bleidt, following a suicide attempt, admitted to bilking people of millions of dollars (current estimates between $25-35 million) over a number of years. A local radio owner and financial advisor, Bleidt's scheme was simple: pay investors with money obtained from newer investors. The Boston Herald newspaper in Boston reported that in 2000 Bleidt began managing his Masonic lodge's $1.2 million in trust funds which are now gone. They also reported that a second group of Masons lost $125,000 and a third lost $686,000. Bleidt was suspended from Freemasonry by the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts pending the outcome of his state/federal trials. In December, 2005, he was sentenced to eleven years in prison for bilking $27,000,000 USD from 125 investors, many of them fellow lodge members but also his church, family, etc.
John Shirley was arrested in 1997 for photographing teens "mooning" (showing their buttocks) his camera at a Masonic camp. Regrettably, instead of removing Shirley from his voluntary position as a DeMolay Chapter Dad, national and state DeMolay officials investigated the complaints and concluded Shirley had used "bad judgment." In 1998, at least 11 boys in his DeMolay Chapter told police Shirley gave them alcohol and drugs, fondled them or had sex with them. Most of the sex-related activities happened over three years. Shirley, a Mason aged 48 at the time of conviction, was sentenced to life imprisonment being found guilty on 27 of 36 felony child sex abuse charges. He was also convicted of 13 misdemeanors, including charges he contributed to the delinquency of minors. Since this incident, The Order Of DeMolay has instituted a strong and aggressive Youth Protection Program which is now a model for other youth groups throughout the United States. It involves criminal background checks on all Advisors along with a 'zero tolerance' policy for any improprieties, regardless of how seemingly insignificant.
Robert Taylor, 47, (England) was the Secretary of his Masonic lodge and a Provincial Grand Junior Warden (a high position within England's Masonic structure). He was also a respected schoolteacher in Peterborough. In September, 2007 he was sentenced to six years in prison for abusing two young boys between 1980 and 1987. Defense counsel raised the point that Taylor, then a Scout leader, was a victim of abuse himself. This tragic story is not unlike hundreds of others we read about each year and, sadly, many of these perpetrators are family men, active in their church and well-respected in their jobs and their community. We would suggest to those who are quick to criticize Freemasonry for condoning such behavior, they also look at the Catholic Church scandals in America. NO action of this type can ever be explained fully. We grieve for those involved in this horrendous situation, knowing it will haunt them their entire lives. News story is here.
George Wallace, a Mason, came to the nation's attention when he barred Blacks from attending the all-White University of Alabama. While he was defending the laws of his state, emerging social conscience judged his actions wrong. A product of his times and his environment, Wallace did what he deemed appropriate legally and morally: it was, however, wrong. Now anti-Masons point to Wallace as a (bad) example of Masonry. What they fail to acknowledge, however, is the constant pain and suffering Wallace endured after the assassination attempt during his presidential candidacy AND MOREOVER the fact that he subsequently apologized for his actions, an apology accepted by all those involved - including the Blacks who were at the center of that firestorm! George Wallace was wrong but he paid for his error in a way even the most cruel should not wish on anyone.
Mason Locke Weems (1760-1825) is a name most readers of this site won't recognize. However, if you have heard the story of George Washington cutting down the cherry tree, you've known of Weems who was one of America's first door-to-door salesmen. A book agent, in the wake of Washington's death, he was the first person to have a biography in print (in 1800) and in order to do so, he simply invented stories to enhance its sales. A member of Lodge #50 in Dumfries, Virginia, he used his Masonic membership to falsely claim a close affiliation with Washington. The lies this Freemason wrote still live on today.
Bobby Wilks was not the first and, sadly, won't be the last person in the funeral industry to defraud families and defile the dead. He was a Mason in Orlinda, Tennessee and appears to have been holding membership when he was sentenced in October 1989 to 28 years and 11 months in prison for burying the dead with trash in their coffins or without prepaid vaults. He had pleaded guilty Oct. 11 to 48 counts of burial fraud, opting for sentencing by a judge rather than face a jury, prosecutors said. Exhumations had revealed that Wilks' business had improperly buried more than 25 bodies in Tennessee and Kentucky. It is reported that Bobby got into more trouble while he was in prison (some said the charges were "trumped up" to make sure he never again saw freedom) and it is doubtful that he will ever be freed. During the investigations, he was suspended for non-payment of dues but it appears that no action has ever been taken to expell him from the fraternity - though were he to petition for reinstatement after his incarceration, it's very, very unlikely he'd be voted 'back in'.
The Winnipeg, Canada Khartum Shrine Motor Patrol in 1999 at an Annual "V.I.P. Gentlemen's Dinner" were charged with lewd sexual behavior. In a situation which could HARDLY be described as gentlemanly, there were a number of accusations which will not be repeated here. Suffice it to say, the event came to the immediate attention of the press and anti-Masons had a 'field day'. The unit was immediately disbanded by Shrine officials and some of its members were ordered to take sensitivity training. It is an example of how unrestrained 'fun' can lead to unexplainable excesses. Shrine Masons who should have known right from wrong apparently didn't! If they were teenagers, such abhorrent behavior might have been understandable but these were adults who stained Freemasonry and Shrinedom, casting a pall over the excellent work done by Shrine Masons. While it is simple (and accurate) to explain that this was not a sanctioned Shrine event but rather a private fund-raiser for the Motor Patrol and that likely the majority of those in attendance were not Shriners, this horrid incident has nevertheless created a stain on the fraternity that will be impossible to erase. It would be easy to compare and contrast this to the frequent and persistent immoral behavior of various religious leaders but the obfuscates the facts: this was shameful!